Where to Buy a Christmas Tree in London

When should you put up your Christmas tree? Well, it’s quite a minefield… The Catholic tradition is to decorate the tree on Christmas Eve or, if that’s a bit stressful, on the third Sunday of Advent.

Many Americans like to put their tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving, but you could also put it up 12 days before Christmas Day, on 13 December.

Good practical advice to follow though, is that of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association – for fresh-cut trees, they recommend holding off until 1 December at least, to ensure your tree lasts until the big day.

But where to buy the best? The Resident has compiled a list of London’s finest Nordmann Firs and Norway Spruces retailers in your local area…

West london

Shoots & Leaves, various locations
Shoots & Leaves has a number of stores in west and south west London – find them at Little Brook Green W6, Hammersmith Broadway W6, Acton Park W3, Eel Brook Common SW6 and Cleveland Park W13. The team goes to great lengths to visit the farms and hand pick every Christmas tree. You can collect it, have it delivered, order it online and even opt for the installation service.christmastrees.london

The Christmas Forest, various locationsThe Christmas Forest group provides beautiful Christmas trees to Londoners while giving a little bit back to Mother Nature. For every tree sold a new tree is planted in Africa through Tree Aid, and so far the Christmas Forest has helped to plant over 232,000 trees. The Christmas Forest has two west London sites, at St John’s Church, Kilburn Lane, from 22 November until 22 December, and Ealing Common, open every day from 21 November until 24 December (both daily from 8am-10pm).Kilburn Lane, Kensal Green W10 4AA; christmasforest.co.uk
Ealing Common, Hanger Lane W5 3HN; christmasforest.co.uk

Pines and Needles, various locations
London’s go to Christmas tree delivery service delivers a variety of trees to hundreds of homes in London every year and has set up a number of pop-up tree shops around west London including Ealing, Chiswick, Maida Vale and Notting Hill. Most stores are open from 10.30am till 9pm everyday up until 22 December, but do check with the specific store before making the trip.pinesandneedles.com

Clifton Nurseries, Maida Vale
One of London’s oldest garden centres, Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale has been around since 1851. Here you’ll find Nordmann firs grown in sustainable forests in Denmark. The even have some top tips for caring for your Christmas tree here.5A Clifton Villas, Maida Vale W9 2PH; clifton.co.uk

Rassells of Kensington
Rassells of Kensington, which has quietly existed in Pembroke Square, off Earl’s Court Road, since 1897, offers a range of top quality Christmas trees, available to order or to buy on the day. You can also pick up festive wreathes and garlands, made by their qualified florists, while you’re there, as well as Poinsettias, Azalea’s and Christmas cacti. The team delivers trees to local post codes.The Lodge Nursery, 78-80 Earls Court Road, Kensington W8 6EQ;rassells.com

Capital Christmas Trees at Chiswick House & GardenCapital Christmas Trees is a joint initiative between Capital Gardens and Needlefresh Direct, a group of dedicated British Christmas Tree growers. You’ll find a wide range and of high quality real Christmas trees at Chiswick House & Garden from 28 November until 22 December from 9am-8pm (open from 8am on Fri, Sat & Sun). Free parking. Capital Christmas Tress has a total of seven sites across London.Burlington Lane, Chiswick W4 2RP;capitalchristmastrees.co.uk

W6 Garden Centre, Ravenscourt Park
Christmas trees now in stock at N1 Garden Centre on the Islington/Dalston borders. Choose from high quality Fraser Firs, Nordman Firs and Noble trees – all from British growers and chosen specifically for their full foliage – available from 3ft to 11ft. If you have a smaller space, go for a Fraser Fir – slim, aromatic and non-drop. They also have a great range of Christmas decorations.17 Ravenscourt Avenue, Ravenscourt Park W6 0SL; n1gardencentre.co.uk

The Princess Victoria, Shepherd’s Bush
The Princess Victoria in Shepherd’s Bush, part of the Three Cheers group, are selling Nordmann Firs daily from 30 November right up until Christmas Eve, from 10am-8pm. Every tree also comes with a free glass of mulled wine or hot cider. Sweet! Simply pop to the pub and choose your tree, and perhaps even a festive wreath.217 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush W12 9DH; princessvictoria.co.uk

South West London

The Christmas Forest, various locations
The Christmas Forest has a number of south west London Christmas tree shops. Head to Richmond Pools on the Park from 18 November till 24 December, the Ascension of the Lord Church on Lavender Hill, Battersea, from 21 November till 22 December, and Putney Leisure Centre on Upper Richmond Road from 21 November to 23 December.christmasforest.co.uk

The Christmas Forest has various locations across London

Chelsea Gardener
The Chelsea Gardener has a selection of fragrant Nordmann Fir Christmas trees with minimal needle drop. The friendly team will help you choose your tree, available from 3ft to 12ft tall, and can also arrange home delivery and tree installation for you. Do check out their range of festive tree decorations too.125 Sydney Street, Chelsea SW3 6NR; chelseagardener.com

Pines and Needles, various locations
Pines and Needles have five south west London locations to choose form this year. Head to Barn Elms playing fields from 29 November till 21 December, Battersea Park (Chelsea Car Park) from 22 November till 19 December, St Johns Church in Fulham from 19 December till 24 December, Wimbledon Park from 20 November till 24 December, and The Hawker Centre, Kingston, from 28 November till 22 December. They also offer various delivery, installation, decoration and removal services – just choose your level of service when ordering.pinesandneedles.com

Capital Christmas Trees at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, Richmond Park & Bushy Park
Find a sea of Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir and Omorika Spruce at Capital Christmas Trees in Bushy Park (Diana Car Park) and Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate Car Park), as well as The Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Available from 3ft to 12ft, pot-grown or cut-trees, the huge range of premium trees and knowledgeable staff at hand will help you find the perfect tree, and will even carry it to your car. Available every day from 29 November until 22 December (times vary by location). Your purchase will also help Royal Parks care for over 5,000 acres of historic parkland and 170,000 trees in London.royalparks.org.uk

Neals Nurseries Garden Centre, Wandsworth
Capital Gardens, which has locations in Wandsworth and Alexandra Palace, has been selling Christmas trees for generations. Choose from cut Nordmann Firs, Noble Firs, Fraser Firs, Norway Spruces in all sorts of sizes, as well as dinky potted Blue Spruces and more (given care and attention potted trees will last for more than just this Christmas, so they’re a more environmentally friendly option). You can also buy online and have it delivered straight to your door.Heathfield Road, Wandsworth SW18 3HR; capitalgardens.co.uk

Petersham Nurseries, RichmondPetersham Nurseries Richmond stocks British grown Nordmann fir trees in a variety of sizes. Head to the glorious garden centre to pick out your own – and while you’re there, browse the lovely collection of Christmas decorations from hand-blown baubles to garlands and twinkling lights – or have one delivered directly to your door. If you’re pushed for time this year, you can also have your tree and a curated selection of decorations delivered and the whole thing beautifully decorated for you (sizes range from 4ft-8ft with prices from £750, orders must be placed by Sunday 1 December).Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AB; petershamnurseries.com

Battersea Flower Station
The multi award-winning Battersea Flower Station promises quality and value. They offer delivery on Christmas trees to most SW postcodes every day from 1-22 December. Choose from non-drop Nordmann Firs priced £34-£110, as well as fragrant traditional Spruces (which tend to shed a few more needles but smell great) and potted trees. If you’re after an extra-large tree, give the team a call and they can order one in for you. Open daily till 5pm. 16 Winders Road, Battersea SW11 3HE;batterseaflowerstation.co.uk

Adrian Hall Ltd, Sheen
Adrian Hall is selling a variety of Christmas trees this winter, from non-drop to pot grown and traditional Spruce trees that, yes, will leave you with a carpet full of needles, but smell great! Sizes range from 1ft to 15ft. Head to the store in Sheen and let the garden experts help you pick out the perfect tree to decorate your home for Christmas. Available now.181 Upper Richmond Road, Sheen SW14 8DU; adrianhall.co.uk

The Garden Party, Nine Elms
The Garden Party has delivered quality Christmas trees to residents in south west London for more than 15 years. The team is trained in horticulture and design, so they know a thing or two about Christmas trees (they supply ‘super-graded’ Nordmanniana, which are noted for their needle retention, thick bushy branches and fragrance) and can accommodate all decorating requirements. You can order a 5ft tree from £65 undecorated, or £225 decorated. The top price tree is a 15ft decorated at £995 – if you want to go larger, give the team a call.276 The Flower Market, New Covent Garden Market SW8 5NB; thegardenparty.co.uk

Three Cheers Pubs in Clapham & Battersea
The Abbeville in Clapham and The Latchmere in Battersea, part of the Three Cheers group, are selling Nordmann Firs daily from 30 November right up until Christmas Eve, from 10am-8pm. Every tree also comes with a free glass of mulled wine or hot cider. Sweet! Simply pop to the pub and choose your tree, and perhaps even a festive wreath.threecheers.co.uk

South East london

Capital Christmas Trees at Greenwich Park
Find a sea of Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir and Omorika Spruce at Capital Christmas Trees at the top of Greenwich Park. Available from 3ft to 12ft, pot-grown or cut-trees, the huge range of premium trees and knowledgeable staff at hand will help you find the perfect tree, and will even carry it to your car. Available every day from 29 November until 22 December, 8am-5.45pm. Your purchase will also help Royal Parks care for over 5,000 acres of historic parkland and 170,000 trees in London.Blackheath Avenue, off Shooters Hill Road SE10 8QY; royalparks.org.uk

Pines & Needles at Brockwell Park
Pines and Needles returns to Brockwell Park with their hardy, non-drop Nordmann Firs. The Christmas tree shop is re-stocked every morning with dozens of trees, ranging from 3ft to 9ft, which have been freshly cut and delivered straight from the Pines & Needles plantations. You can also stay home and order online. Open from 9am-9pm on weekdays and 8am-9pm on weekends from 21 November until 22 December. Pay and display parking is available on Dulwich Road, or free 30-minute parking on Norwood Road.Norwood Road (opposite Costcutter), Herne Hill SE24 9BJ; pinesandneedles.com

King’s Christmas Trees, various locationsWhen you buy a King’s Christmas Tree you are helping the homeless through the Jericho Road Project. Your tree purchase helps put hot food on the tables at The Feast, a weekly drop-in centre that served 4,500 meals last year. Their premium Nordmann firs are freshly cut from sustainable growers in Scotland, and available from the Shaftesbury Centre in Deptford, JAGS in Dulwich, St Mary’s School in Beckenham, Bromley Road Retail Park in Catford and Abbotshall Healthy Lifestyle Centre, Catford, as well as for home delivery.kingschristmastrees.org

Alleyn Park Garden Centre, West Dulwich
Alleyn Park Garden Centre’s stock of non-drop Nordmanns start arriving at the end of November. The trees are cut from quality, sustainable stock in Scotland and Denmark. You can also get potted and pot grown White Spruce, Norway Spruce and Nordmann Firs. Alleyn’s also offers great service, whittling their trees to fit into a stand and making the transition from garden centre to home as stress free as possible. Prices start from £29.95 for a 3ft tree, reaching £99.95 for an 8ft (taller trees available on request). Get 10% off all Christmas trees pre-ordered and paid for in November (pre-ordered trees 6ft and over will be delivered free of charge locally.)Rear of 77 Park Hall Road (opposite Café Rouge), West Dulwich SE21 8ES; alleynpark.co.uk

The Rosendale, West Dulwich
The Rosendale in West Dulwich is offering up a free glass of mulled wine or hot cider with every Nordmann Fir sold. Available daily from 30 November right up until Christmas Eve, from 10am-8pm. Simply pop to the pub and choose your tree, and perhaps even a festive wreath.65 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich SE21 8EZ;threecheers.co.uk

Streatham and Marlborough Cricket Club, Dulwich
The Christmas Forest is selling trees from 20 November till 24 December, from 8am-10pm daily, at Streatham and Marlborough Cricket Club on Dulwich Common. The Christmas eco-warriors plant a new tree in Africa for every tree sold, and so far the Christmas Forest has helped to plant over 232,000 trees. Plus, they cut their trees as late in the season as possible to ensure freshness. There’s plenty of free parking on site and a local delivery service is available.Dulwich Common SE21 7EX; christmasforest.co.uk

IKEA, Greenwich
Not just the destination for flat pack furniture and cheap meatballs, IKEA also sells Christmas at all five of its Greater London stores (Tottenham, Wembley, Greenwich, Croydon and Lakeside). What’s more, buy a real Christmas tree for £29 and you’ll get a £20 voucher to spend in store in January – deal! Trees available from 21 November till 24 December. Voucher can be redeemed between 13 January and 23 February 2020.55-57 Bugsby’s Way, Greenwich Peninsula SE10 0QJ; ikea.com

Clickmas Trees, Crofton Park & Kennington
Clickmas Trees is a small family business started by John Davis-Taylor and Louise Washford in 2009. As well as delivering premium grade Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to homes and businesses around London, Clickmas also has three pop up shops, located in Crofton Park, Kennington and – new for this year – City Island E14. A free delivery service is available to those local to the pop-up shops (SW1, SW2, SE1, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE11, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE17 & SE23). All other London postcodes will incur a £9.99 delivery charge.Crofton Park Library, 375 Brockley Road SE4 2AG & St Mark’s Church, 337 Kennington Park Road SE11 4PW;clickmastrees.com

East LONDON

Pines & Needles at Victoria Park & Shoreditch
Pines and Needles is back at multiple sites in east London with another great selection of firs and spruces. Open daily at Victoria Park from 21 November until 20 December, and from 19 November till 22 December at St Leonard Church in Shoreditch (both open 9am-10pm on weekdays and 8am-10pm on weekends). Pines & Needles will deliver from the site – or you can order online – and they also offer an installation, decoration and recycling service.Royal East Gate, Grove Road E9 7HJ; pinesandneedles.com
St Leonard Church, Shoreditch High Street E1 6JN; pinesandneedles.com

Columbia Road Flower Market, Bethnal Green
London’s famous flower market will be selling some of the UK’s finest Christmas trees every Sunday afternoon, and on their infamous Christmas Wednesdays. Enjoy the spectacle that is Columbia Road Flower Market and do a spot of Christmas shopping with a number of boutique stores selling old-school vinyls, handmade ceramics, artwork and antiques.Columbia Road, Bethnal Green E2 7RG; columbiaroad.info

Clickmas Trees, City Island E14
Clickmas Trees is a small family business started by John Davis-Taylor and Louise Washford in 2009. As well as delivering premium grade Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to homes and businesses around London, Clickmas also has three pop up shops, located in Crofton Park, Kennington and – new for this year – City Island E14. A free delivery service is available to those local to the pop-up shops. All other London postcodes will incur a £9.99 delivery charge.clickmastrees.com

The Christmas Forest at Lee Valley Ice Centre
The Christmas Forest’s sustainable Christmas trees are also available at Lee Valley Ice Centre in Leyton from 22 November until 22 December (open daily from 8am-10pm). Not only does The Christmas Forest cut their trees as late in the season as possible to ensure freshness, they also plant a new tree in Africa for every tree sold. So far the Christmas Forest has helped to plant over 232,000 trees. There’s plenty of free parking on site and a local delivery service is available.Lea Bridge Road E10 7QL; christmasforest.co.uk

Broadway Market, London Fields
Broadway Market’s yearly Christmas tree shop will be selling truckloads of trees throughout December. You can even choose your tree and keep it on hold while you stroll around the market, picking out artisan gifts. Open every Saturday from 9am-5pm.Broadway Market, London Fields E8 4QJ; broadwaymarket.co.uk

N1 Garden Centre, Dalston
Christmas trees now in stock at N1 Garden Centre on the Islington/Dalston borders. Choose from high quality Fraser Firs, Nordman Firs and Noble trees – all from British growers and chosen specifically for their full foliage – available from 3ft to 11ft. If you have a smaller space, go for a Fraser Fir – slim, aromatic and non-drop. They also have a great range of Christmas decorations.25A Englefield Road N1 4EU; n1gardencentre.co.uk

North London

The Christmas Forest, various locations
Pick up one of the Christmas Forest’s sustainable Christmas trees from various north London sites. The vast majority of their trees come from around the UK and for every tree sold, a new tree is planted in Africa. Open at Finsbury Park from 23 November to 23 December, at St Paul’s Church, Stoke Newington, from 24 November until 24 December, and at Alwyne Castle Pub in Highbury from 19 November until 23 December. All open daily from 8am-10pm. Delivery available.Hornsey Gate, Endymion Road N4 1EE; christmasforest.co.uk306 Amhurst Road, Stoke Newington N16 7UE; christmasforest.co.uk83 St Paul’s Road, Highbury N1 2LY; christmasforest.co.uk

Alexandra Palace Garden Centre
Capital Gardens at Alexandra Palace has been selling Christmas trees for generations. Choose from cut Nordmann Firs, Noble Firs, Fraser Firs, Norway Spruces in all sorts of sizes, as well as dinky potted Blue Spruces and more (given care and attention potted trees will last for more than just this Christmas, so they’re a more environmentally friendly option). You can also buy online and have it delivered straight to your door.Alexandra Palace Way N22 7BB; capitalgardens.co.uk

Camden Garden Centre
A short walk from Camden Town Station and Camden Market, the area’s local garden centre stock a huge range of real Christmas trees. Head to the plantation to choose from thousands of cut and pot grown trees to take home or simply buy one online and have it delivered to your door. These guys have supplied the likes of No.11 Downing Street and countless other public spaces, so you know you’ll be getting a high quality tree.2 Barker Drive, Camden NW1 0JW; camdengardencentre.co.uk

Boma Garden Centre, Kentish Town
One of London’s most prestigious garden centres is rolling in hundreds of freshly cut Christmas trees for punters all around London to enjoy. Make your way over to their nursery and pick out a potted Norway Spruce from £28 or go big this year with a 10ft Nordmann for £179. They have an enormous range of Christmas tree varieties so its best you do your research before shopping. They also deliver to local postcodes (order and pay for your Christmas tree before 1 December and get free delivery).51-53 Islip Street, Kentish Town NW5 2DL; bomagardencentre.co.uk

IKEA, Tottenham & Wembley
Not just the destination for flat pack furniture and cheap meatballs, IKEA also sells Christmas at all five of its Greater London stores (Tottenham, Wembley, Greenwich, Croydon and Lakeside). What’s more, buy a real Christmas tree for £29 and you’ll get a £20 voucher to spend in store in January – deal! Trees available from 21 November till 24 December. Voucher can be redeemed between 13 January and 23 February 2020. 6 Glover Drive, Tottenham N18 3HF; ikea.com
2 Drury Way, N Circular Road, Wembley NW10 0TH; ikea.com

Paramount Plants and Gardens, Enfield
Paramount Plants and Gardens has a great reputation when it comes to Christmas trees. Available throughout December, their quality living Christmas trees have root systems and are either potted or sold as rootballs so they can be planted in the garden after the holidays – a great option for those concerned about the environmental impact of their Christmas tree. They have a broad range of classic shapes and foliage colours, from blue grey to deep green.131 Theobalds Park Road, Crews Hill, Enfield EN2 9BH; paramountplants.co.uk

The Woodman Pub, Highgate
The cosy Woodman Pub in Highgate is selling Christmas trees from Thursday 28 November until Sunday 22 December, and 10% of the proceeds from every tree sold goes to charity. Information is scant at present, but given you’ll likely be heading there for a pint or a roast anyway, you can enquire on arrival!414 Archway Road, Highgate N6 5UA; the-woodman.com

Online only

Good Elf
The workers at Good Elf can provide expert advice on choosing the best Christmas tree for your home and even deliver, decorate and collect the tree for you. They even have a two-hour hotline for those who need their tree in a hurry! They’ll deliver and setup your tree for a flat fee of £40, including a stand – if it’s in stock, they’ll deliver it. Good Elf also offers a collection and recycling service.goodelf.co.uk

Patch Plants
Patch Plants – the plant delivery service created with clueless, urban gardeners in mind – offers two types of Christmas trees for deliver, a Fraser Fir charmingly named Fraser, and a Nordmann Fir named Nora. Fraser is priced £51-£92 depending on size (available from 3ft-8ft), while Nora is priced £39-£78 (also available from 3ft-8ft). The website also has plenty of info on sustainability, caring for your tree, and pet safety. You can also buy tree lights, stands and skirts.patchplants.com

Christmas Trees DeliveredFor 30 years, Christmas Trees Delivered has specialised in providing first-class quality Christmas trees, stands, lights and decorations. Available from the last week in November, their guaranteed no needle drop Nordmann and Noble Firs are superb bushy trees sourced straight from the plantation. They supply museums, embassies, churches, hospitals, tourist attractions and government buildings – as well as London homes.christmastreesdelivered.co.uk